Too Late To Aerate ???

[foreplease]

93Chevy,
Generally the knock on spring aerating is that it invites crabgrass problems. However, in the course of putting a lawn back together after a big project it is probably a good idea as it will stimulate growth. Topdressing will help too. The mix should be chosen with the existing soil in mind and should contain some compost.

[93Chevy]

Originally Posted by foreplease

93Chevy,
Generally the knock on spring aerating is that it invites crabgrass problems. However, in the course of putting a lawn back together after a big project it is probably a good idea as it will stimulate growth. Topdressing will help too. The mix should be chosen with the existing soil in mind and should contain some compost.

Thanks for the info. I'm still working on the design now and he wants to start in spring. I can understand the crabgrass problem. My idea was to stimulate growth, and it would be a waste of money to aerate this year, just to tear half the lawn up for new beds. Thanks again!

[White Gardens]

Originally Posted by Smallaxe

For 12k of turf, I would add a pickup load of compost in a compacted recent construction site after aerating, to get that in the holes. Even better than fert. That will be your best long term help, no matter what the soil test says.

You are aware that the freezing and thawing is one of the best compaction reducing mechanisms out there , correct? For compaction issues I would have the client wait until after Memorial weekend, when 5 or 6 mowings have compacted the soil again.

The house was built in the early 80's I do beleive, but I still call it a newer construction as it is a subdivision that you would find anywhere now. What I mean is they stripped the dirt, built the house, highly compacted, and was probably used as a parking lot during the construction.

Originally Posted by foreplease

On closely mown turf the risk of aerating too late in the season is winter dessication around the edges of the holes. I don't think you need to worry about it on a home lawn. If they have an irrigation system chances are it has already been winterized. That could be a problem if you don't know where things are.

I agree with turfcobob: take the opportunity to get some fertilizer down. If the site needs any phosphorus getting it down while holes are open is a good idea.

If they are going to aerate once a year doing so after Memorial Day seems like terrible timing to me.

No irrigation.

I'm not going to throw down fert just because I think it needs it. He's had the lawn fertilized every year on a schedule and if that is the case then it should look good now by that rational.

I'm going out on a limb, but I'm guessing the PH values are off thus affecting the Cation Exchange and binding the phosphorus in the soil and not letting the turf utilize it.

So ultimately it would probably be a wasted application.

[oasis2010]

12,000 sq ft aeration 168.00 $ Thats what I charge . We deal with larger yards mostly our average yard is 12,000.